Jagannath Puri Temple | History, Timings, Entry Fee, Near By Places, & More

Introduction to Jagannath Puri Temple

Jagannath Puri Temple, located at Puri, Odisha, is one of the holiest pilgrim spots in India. It is a shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath - an avatar of Lord Krishna, and he is accompanied by his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. Millions of devotees visit this temple each year. It is an iconic pilgrim site and is one of the Char Dham of India - the four holiest pilgrim spots where one can attain salvation according to Hindu beliefs.

Are noteworthy cultural divine areas in the sacred temple. Puri is well known for itsRathaYatraChariot festival and for its idol puja rituals that are specific and different from other Indian temples. Every portion of Jagannath Puri Temple has a spiritual significance somewhere along one of the many threads of its ancient history. The secretive temple architecture, the unique Mahaprasad, and myriad other reasons for visiting Puri Temple are all part of one component of eternal devotion - inextricably bound in perception of culture.

Whether you want to visit Puri Temple as as a spiritual retreat or as a cultural excursion, this complete travel and darshan guide will assist you in travelling the path towards meeting for yourself the real Jagannath Puri - the eastern gate to salvation in India.

Jagannath Temple Timings - Full Darshan & Rituals Timetable

The Jagannath Temple in Puri has a vibrant daily darshan, rituals, and bhog schedule lasting from dawn to midnight! The temple usually opens at 5:30 aam and closes usually at 11:30 pm. Various pujas and bhogs (food offerings) take place throughout the day.

Devotees are free to visit based on timing scheule outlined below:

Daily Schedule Without Table

1. 5:30 AM - Temple open at Mangala Aarti, then Mailam (changing clothes), and Tadapa Lagi (first decoration).
2. 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM - Sahanamela Darshan - devotee can enter at anytime.
3. 9:00 AM - Gopal Ballabh Bhog offering is made (light morning bhog).
4. 10:00 AM - Sakala Dhupa - one of the principal food offerings of the day.
5. 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM - Raj Bhog - main bhog of the day, temple doors automatically close.
6. 3:00 PM - Madhyanha Dhupa - afternoon bhog.
7. 5:30 PM - Sandhya Dhupa - evening food offering along with Sandhya Aarti.
8. 9:00 PM - Bada Singhar Bhog, the last food offering.
9. 11:00 PM to 11:30 PM - Pahuda, The time when the deities rest and temple doors are closed.

Daily Schedule With Table

Best Time to Visit

When to go: The best times to visit the Jagannath Temple are early in the morning (5:30–8:00 AM), or in the evening (6:00–8:30 PM), when calm is restored and there is a greater opportunity to have an intimate darshan experience. October to February are the most favorable months to visit Jagannath (weather-wise) during the winter season. The temple can see a lot of people on a regular day, especially on religious festivals and events that happen which draws and brings together people en masse at the temple (Rath Yatra particularly, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many devotees). During the hot summer months (April–June), it can also be very hot during the day, which may make it difficult to enjoy an experience at the temple.

Entry Fee for Jagannath Puri Temple

A visit to Jagannath Temple in Puri is always free for all devotees. There is no official ticket that one needs to buy to enter the temple premises or to perform darshan of the deities Lard Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

1. Nonetheless remember:
2. No entry tickets are required for general darshan.
3. If you would like to have special entry or VIP darshan, and if you arrange it through the temple authorities or local agents, there may be some charges.
4. You are NOT allowed to take photos of any kind inside the temple complex.
5. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Garbhagriha (sanctum) of the temple.
6. Although entering the temple is free, there are opportunities to donate/offer items to the temple (in the form of Dakshina, Bhog, or Seva) which are always accepted to help defray costs to maintain rituals and services of the temple.
7. If you want to have a comfortable seat to assist with darshan or tour packages that assist with VIP access, onsite support and follow-up for darshan would be available via myself.

History & Mythology of Jagannath Temple

Learning about the origins and myths of the Jagannath Temple can help us discover its rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Here is everything you need to know!

1. Origin of Jagannath Temple(12th century)

1. The present-day Jagannath Temple was constructed in the 12th century in a Eastern Ganga dynasty ruled Odisha.
2. King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, established the grand temple to Lord Jagannath.

2.Role of King Anantavarman Chodaganga

1. He was major proponent of Vaishnavism in Odisha.
2. The temple became the central place of worship and the temple became an architectural representation of devotion; devotion to the presiding deities which were then extended by future rulers of the aforementioned dynasty, as none came as close as Ananga Bhima Deva who built the wooden deities.

3. Tale of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra

1. Legends tell us that Lord Jagannath is one of the forms of Lord Krishna while Balabhadra is his brother Balarama and Subhadra is their sister.
2. The three deities are worshipped together in a exceptional wooden form which is uncommon in Hindu temples.

4. Association with Lord Vishnu and Krishna

1. Jagannath is thought of as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, and incarnation of Krishna, especially showing Krishna during his universality.
2. Devotees believe that Lord Jagannath is spiritually equal to visiting Krishna in Vrindavan or visiting Vishnu in Vaikuntha and worshipping Jagannath grants the same blessings.

5. The Legends of the Sacred Wooden Idols

1. One popular legend recounts that Lord Vishnu appeared to King Indradyumna in a dream and instructed him to have a temple built and the wooden deities installed.
2. Legend has it that, upon calling for the divine carpenter Vishwakarma to make the idols, he agreed on one condition: no one could disrupt him.
3. At the first opportunity, the queen opened the door to his workshop before he was done!
4. This is said to be the reason for their unfinished look.
5. The material to make these idols was unique, in fact, they were of a rare neem wood, but also they believed were made

Big Festivals at Jagannath Temple, Puri

Jagannath Temple in Puri is not just a sacred location, but the center of many vibrant and ancient festivals. The festivals from Puri reveal the strong devotion, cultural heritage and unique rituals of the temple, and continue to attract pilgrims from across all districts of India (and across the world).

1. Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival)

1. The Rath Yatra is the most famous festival of Jagannath Puri occurring in June or July.
2. The festival takes the three deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra out of the temple into three huge wooden chariots that are pulled by hand by participants (devotees) on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to the Gundicha Temple.
3. We expect lakhs of devotes and tourists each year to this celebration, which is one of the largest religious processions in the world.
4. This event indicates the one time of the year that Lord Jagannath visits his maternal aunt's home.

2. Snana Yatra

1. Snana Yatra is celebrated on Jyestha Purnima (full moon day of Jyestha) is a ceremonial bathing of the deities.
2. The idols are taken to the Snana Mandap (bathing ground) for a ceremonial bathing, which includes bathing the idols with 108 pots of holy water.
3. After this ritual, the three deities are believed to become ill and are kept in confinement for a period of 15 days, known as the normal period of rest for the statues (deities).

3. Nabakalebara

1. Nabakalebara is a rare and sacred custom in which wooden idols of the deities are replaced by newly carved idols.
2. It usually occurs every 12 to 19 years, based on that alignment of certain lunar calendars.
3. The sacred neem trees that are used to carve the new idols take place through lengthy rituals and divine signs.
4. This event brings millions of pilgrims and it is viewed as a spiritual experience of a lifetime.

4. Chandan Yatra

1. Chandan Yatra occurs in the month of Vaishakha (April–May) and is an annual 21-day long festival where the gods are smeared with sandalwood paste for coolness in the summer.
2. Idols are also taken on processions and even, temporarily to boats around the Narendra Tank.
3. Surely, this is also a beautiful experience of worship.

5. Makar Sankranti

1. Makar Sankranti is an annual celebration that occurs in January that marks the sun going into Capricorn.
2. Pilgrims perform special rituals and special food offerings and renewal at the temple. Pilgrimage devotees perform holy dips in the sea of Puri.

6. Kartik Purnima

1. This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of Kartik month (October–November).
2. Devotees light thousands of lamps and offer prayers, and it's believed that observing Kartik Purnima grants spiritual purification and divine blessings.

Jagannath Puri Tour Packages

Cherish the land of Lord Jagannath with our custom-tailored Puri tour packages for Yatra visitors. Our tour packages fit everyone's needs, whether it is a quick spiritual visit, an Odisha heritage trip, or a Char Dham Yatra which includes Puri.

1. 1 Day Puri Darshan Tour

1. This tour is suitable for pilgrims and visitors with limited time.
2. The main darshan covers Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, and Loknath Temple.
3. We include Puri beach and swargadwar visit too.
4. Pick-up from Puri Railway Station / Hotel and drop.
5. Private vehicle with all assistance for darshan.

2. 2 Nights / 3 Days Puri, Konark & Bhubaneswar Tour

1. Ideal for first time visitors looking for an overall spiritual and heritage experience.
2. Day 1 - We will visit Jagannath temple, local temples in Puri and the beach.
3. Day 2 - We will visit the Sun Temple at Konark and Chandrabhaga Beach.
4. Day 3 - We will visit temples in Bhubaneswar like Lingaraj Temple, Mukteshwar Dome, Rajarani Temple.
5. Includes hotel stay, transport, and guide if required.

3. Char Dham Yatra with Jagannath Puri Package

1. Offers Puri as one of four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Combine Puri with Dwarka (in Guruat), Rameshwaram (in Tamil Nadu), and Badrinath (in Uttarakhand).
2. We will take care of all inter-state travel arrangements, accommodation, VIP darshan and local guides.
3. Suitable for long pilgrimage seekers and serious spiritual travelers.

4. Puri Custom Tours Packages (Family, Group, and Senior Citizens)

1. Customizable travel options for:
2. Family vacation including kids
3. A group visit to temples, culture attractions and sightseeing.
4. Senior citizens who want comfortable accommodations, rath/street darshan support, and less walking.
5. Select your hotel (the variation from budget to deluxe), vehicle size, meal plan, and add-ons (wheelchair or priest assistance) to your requirements
6. Flexibility in travel itineraries according to your own schedule and interest.

Nearby Attractions around Jagannath Puri Temple

A trip to Jagannath Puri is not, and it will never be, a mere visit to temple darshan; it is a wholesome experience of culture and nature. Puri and the surroundings offers a plethora of spiritual sites, natural beauty, historic locations, and local art forms that will enhance your experience during the pilgrimage. Here are a few suggested attractions near to Jagannath Temple.

1. Golden Beach (Puri Beach)

1. Puri Beach, known by as Golden Beach, is one of the cleanest and safest beaches in India.
2. It complies with the Blue Flag eco-friendly and tourist safety standards
3. It is perfect for an early morning walk, eating from local street vendors, hampering down on the view of the sunset from the beach over the Bay of Bengal.

2. Konark Sun Temple

1. At about 35 km distance from Puri is the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. It is a 13th century architectural masterpiece, in the form of a colossal chariot dedicated to the Sun God.
3. An amazing visit for tourists with history, architecture and spirituality.

3. Chilika Lake

1. Around 50 km distance from Puri is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Chilika Lake.
2. It is known for boating, dolphin sighting (Irrawaddy dolphins) and its migratory birds spotted especially at Satapada.
3. Of course, this is an ideal place for nature lovers and die-hard photography fanatics.

4. Gundicha Temple

1. Gundicha Temple is 3 km away from Jagannath Temple where the devotees have Darshan of the deities during the Rath Yatra.
2. It is referred to as the "Garden House" of Lord Jagannath, and visiting this temple is a part of the yatra and makes the sacred yatra whole.

5. Loknath Temple & Markandeshwar Temple

1. Sagaramata Loknath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a site of great worship, especially on Shivaratri.
2. Markandeswar Temple is situated in the vicinity of Jagannath Temple, which is a very ancient site connected with Sage Markandeya and has a sacrified pond within its premises and in use during the temple services.

6. Raghurajpur Art Village

1. Raghurajpur Art Village is about 15 km from Puri. Raghurajpur is Heritage village famous for Pattachitra paintings and art and other creations in palm-leaf, as well as many traditional handicrafts.
2. Each house can be used as an art gallery, and you can see artisans at their work and finish by purchasing souvenirs.
3. Raghurajpur is a terrific cultural stop for anyone wishing to see Odisha's traditional art and feel Odisha's village life.

Conclusion

A trip to the Jagannath Puri Temple is more than just a religious pilgrimage; it is a spiritual journey connecting you to the historical traditions, divine stories, and eternal devotion of India. Regardless of whether you come for faith, architecture, or the cultural spirit of Odisha, the temple will illuminate some profound aspects of the universe within every soul that steps onto the sacred path.

With daily colorful traditions, world's most well-known Rath Yatra and unique transformational worship of wooden deities, Puri is one of the most spiritually empowered locales in India, and anywhere you look at Jagannath Temple has the lively bhakti (devotion) echoes of hundreds of years.

If you are organizing your pilgrimage to Puri or want to combine it with your divine journey to the Goddess Kamakhya Devi or some of the many Shakti Peeths in Assam and Meghalaya, just let us know, we can help you find your perfect spiritual experience.

Book your tour of temples, darshan facilitation, and customized pilgrimage packages with us.

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